Fuel Pipes

NorthernBloke · Nov 19, 2004

I noticed a slight fluid leak under the car earlier today so popped it down to the unit for further investigation.

When I got underneath I found that one of the metal fuel pipes has corroded through just before the joint to the flexi pipe and fuel filter and the second doesn't look too good either. It looks as though these pipes run the length of the car so will probably be expensive to replace.

Does anyone have any idea how much and more importantly how difficult a job it is to change them?

Fen · Nov 19, 2004

Very and very.

They do run the length of the car and you have to drop the trasaxle to replace them. You can use alternative means such as flexi pipe or commercial vehicle brake line.

All of the above received wisdom as I've been lucky so far...

Mark_Bennett · Nov 19, 2004

It cost me a fortune when the ones on my 944S needed replacing.
200 for the pipes, and a lot of labour time...

There was an article or letter in 911 and Porsche World a couple of years back about a cheap way of replacing (without removing the transaxle) but some independants will not entertain the idea of using non-Porsche parts on such a safety critical item.

Guest · Nov 22, 2004

ORIGINAL: idrussell

Hi, this is my first post on the Forum although i've been a member for years and also post on titanic. The Fuel pipes are a pig of a job. I recently had all mine replaced on my 1990 S2. The pipes were about £400 (original parts) and then about 15 hours of labour to drop the rear axle[]. Some people mentioned flexi pipes but most independants would not use these when I asked. In the end I used RLR who since you are based in Teesside are certainly local to you. Maybe worth giving them a call

HTH

Regards
Ivan
1990 S2
Durham City

Ouch so you were looking at a bag of sand? Thats gota hurt. i think i would be tempted down the DIY route with that type of price.

Mark_Bennett · Nov 22, 2004

I needed 2 wishbones at the time of minebeing done, and a wheel bearing, and the service...

NorthernBloke · Nov 22, 2004

Hi Ivan and thanks for the details, I think [

]

I'm not too fussed about doing the job myself, as I've already had the transaxle/torsion bar carriers out to do the torque tube and clutch, but I had considered using flexi's to save dropping them - what reason was given for not using them as the pipe's change to flexi's just the other side of the axle anyway for the fuel filter etc ?

As it happens I know a man who restores classic cars and if I can take the pipes to him he' going to make me up a new set - the only question is where do I start the flexi's, before or after the axle. I'd be interested to hear any comments

Cheers

NorthernBloke · Nov 22, 2004

That makes sense - I still intend to replace the whole pipe but I'll probably move the change to a flexi so it's before the axle [

]

danmason · Nov 22, 2004

Had mine done by Club Autosport (Richard, 01384 410879) a few months back - they have designed their own solution (not flexi-piping) which they have been using on their racing porsches for some time; I don't remember the full details but it only cost me around £120 all-in IIRC (inc installation) and they did an excellent job as usual, involving some slight re-routing of the piping round the axle. No doubt they would sell you just the pipes and fittings, they do mail-order.

NorthernBloke · Nov 22, 2004

Sounds like an even less painful experience - I shall give them a call. Thanks Dan [

]

Called, ordered, sorted £80 + VAT + P&P and no need to drop the axle - beers owed Dan [

][

] In fact I'm in Solihull on Wednesday night so if you're about give me a shout

danmason · Nov 24, 2004

Called, ordered, sorted £80 + VAT + P&P and no need to drop the axle - beers owed Dan In fact I'm in Solihull on Wednesday night so if you're about give me a shout

Rats, only just read your post - now have plans for this evening. Will have to cash in those beers another time [

] Glad Richard was able to sort you out.

Cheers
Dan

Guest · Nov 24, 2004

ORIGINAL: NorthernBloke

Sounds like an even less painful experience - I shall give them a call. Thanks Dan []

Called, ordered, sorted £80 + VAT + P&P and no need to drop the axle - beers owed Dan [][][] In fact I'm in Solihull on Wednesday night so if you're about give me a shout

Nice one guys

Diver944 · Nov 24, 2004

ORIGINAL: NorthernBloke

Called, ordered, sorted £80 + VAT + P&P

Let us know how it goes Andy. I am sure we will all have to go through this route as our cars age [&:]

Big Dave · Nov 24, 2004

Thats a great result..
I had read the article about the fuel pipe problems + "stored" it away for a rainy day..
Its good to hear of somwhere to get the parts at a GOOD price.....

Guest · Nov 25, 2004

That's great news. Reading this thread I was beginning to plan for an addition to the Porker piggy bank for when the pipes need doing on my S2. Let us know how you get on.

Big Dave · Dec 5, 2004

Have we got the pipies fitted yet????

Updates PLEASE....

Andy Duncan · Jan 4, 2005

Bit late on this topic but I just saw a 944 Turbo SE on a ramp with the drive shafts removed and on reflection I can't quite see why the GBox needs to come out (this was before I read this post)! From recollection it looked doable!!

One of my 944's has a fuel leak which has had a temp fix, so knowing full well Porsche would be outrageously expensive, I am considering fitment of Goodridge stainless braided hoses end to end, might need 1 or 2 xtra fixing brackets, any reason why this would not be a good idea?

andy

sawood12 · Feb 2, 2005

Just had my car in with my local Porsche Specialist. He used to work at a Porsche dealership for getting on for 10yrs before he went it alone after becoming disillusioned with Porsches change of attitude over the last few years. I quizzed him about this fuel pipe issue since he gave me an advisory on mine at my last service and i've nearly had a heart attack reading this thread since. He said it is possible to change the fuel pipe without having to drop the transmission - he's done it loads of times. It's a bloody awkward job but it's doable.

Unfortunately I forgot to ask him for a quote but sounds like it's more like the £80 mark than the £400 mark. I'm getting it done at my next service in about 4 months time so will update you then.

Andy Duncan · Feb 2, 2005

I need to do this on my Silver Rose car, temp fix using hose to stem leak. The pipes can be encouraged to fit round obstacles to a certain extent and I am also convinced that the job can be done without major component removal - I hope!
cheers
andy

NorthernBloke · Feb 3, 2005

Sorry, I've not replied to this thread.

I have done the work - to be honest it was a major chew on because at the time I didn't have access to a ramp. I ended up putting flexis on but you could probably work the solid pipes around the transaxle etc. if the car was up in the air but you've got no change laid on your back like I was.

Also, don't bother ordering the kit I got for £80 as you could buy the items included for a quarter of that from Partco (or local equivalent) - basically two lengths of the appropriate bore pipe and a set of compression joints - may as well replace the lot, front to back or use flexis across the transaxle as I have.

944psi · Mar 6, 2007

Well done on your bit of luck! Was this at PH? I was over there today picking up my calipers that they'd deplated for me as I'd given up getting the plates off myself. What a failure!

I take it they didn't have the rubber hoses to go with the pipes? I would have thought you'd not want to get second hand unless they're reasonably new anyway?

Phil